Right-hand drive conversion following repatriation from the USA
High-performance engine build by a marque specialist
Documented service history with one specialist from 2004 to 2025
Overdrive-equipped four-speed gearbox
The Appeal
The 3000 Mk III BJ8 is the final and most desirable evolution of the "Big Healey": the most powerful and refined of the breed, and a car that remains one of the great British open sports cars. This example was repatriated from the United States in 1989, converted to right-hand drive, and treated to a professional body restoration before being purchased by the current vendor at auction in July 2003.
Following acquisition, the car was entrusted to Roger Ludgate of LDD Ludgate Design and Development for a thorough mechanical restoration centred on a high-performance engine build. The vendor states the engine produces 160 bhp at the wheels. The chassis was stiffened, the gearbox overhauled, new wiring fitted throughout, and five wider painted wire wheels installed.
For the following two decades, the car was regularly toured on the continent and consistently maintained by the same specialist, with documented work right through to 2025. The vendor is candid that the bodywork is now a little untidy with some cracked paintwork, but the hood, hood cover, and full tonneau are reported to be in good condition. A spare used rear axle is also included. This is a car with serious mechanical credentials and a long, well-documented relationship with one specialist, offered now as its old owner reluctantly steps back from spirited motoring.image.png3.68 MB
Key Information
Mileage: 80,497 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
Technical specs: 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual with overdrive
Paperwork: service history file from LDD Ludgate Design and Development spanning 2004 to 2025
Service history:
07/25 – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
09/23 – 79,985 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
06/23 – 79,819 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
04/21 – 79,094 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
05/18 – 76,933 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
09/17 – 76,294 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
05/17 – 75,713 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
05/16 – 75,312 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
09/15 – 75,253 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
04/15 – 73,569 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
05/14 – 72,869 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
12/13 – 72,772 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
05/04 – Mileage Unlisted – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
Most recent work carried out in 2025, including inspections, tracking checks, consecutive road tests, chassis greasing, gearbox fluid replenishment, and new HT ignition leads
Engine misfire investigated and resolved in September 2023, including compression checks and carburettor adjustments
Fuel delivery issues rectified in June 2023, with carburettor cleaning and adjustment, starter solenoid rebuild, and spark plug terminal repair
New battery fitted in June 2022
Post-delivery inspection carried out in April 2021, including new braided fuel hoses, exhaust alignment, new spark plugs, and distributor fault repair
High-performance engine build completed in 2004, including rebore with diamond honing, balanced and tuftride-hardened crankshaft, Piper fast-road camshaft, gas-flowed and hand-ported cylinder head, lead-free fuel conversion, rebuilt twin SU HD8 carburettors with revised needle profiles, alternator conversion, uprated cooling system, and finned alloy sump
Engine stated by the vendor to produce 160 bhp at the wheels
Chassis stiffened and gearbox overhauled during the mechanical restoration
New wiring and five wider painted wire wheels fitted
Dynamo replaced with high-output alternator conversion
Duralumin sump guard plate fitted to protect the alloy sump
Custom engine breather oil catch tank with external visual fluid indicator
Converted to right-hand drive following repatriation from the USA in 1989
The vendor notes the bodywork is a little untidy with some cracked paintwork; nevertheless, the car remains exceedingly presentable throughout
Smart under-bonnet and underside presentation
Hood, hood cover, and full tonneau reported to be in good condition
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
